SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today announced a significant software upgrade for its iTero 3D scanning system used in dental practices for a wide range of restorative dental procedures. The iTero 4.05 software upgrade includes the Invisalign Scanning Protocol for full interoperability with Invisalign treatment, as well as enhancements to software tools that deliver expanded features and greater efficiency in scanning for iTero customers.

The iTero 4.05 software upgrade features full interoperability with Invisalign treatment, including links to the Invisalign Doctor Site and to the Invisalign Case Gallery for patient education. In addition, the software upgrade includes enhancements to bite registration scanning, guidance, the eraser tool, real-time modeling and other features that help deliver accurate 3D impressions of the patient's dentition.

After upgrading to iTero 4.05, customers can begin submitting 3D digital scans in place of physical impressions for Invisalign treatment through the Invisalign Doctor Site as part of the Invisalign case submission process. Current iTero customers will be upgraded through a phased software roll-out over the next several weeks.

"Dentists are already experiencing the benefits of the iTero digital scanning system for a wide range of restorative dental procedures, including implants, crown and bridge, veneers, and more," said Timothy A. Mack, Align Technology senior vice president of business development. "Integration with Invisalign treatment brings the same enhanced accuracy of digital impressions and greater treatment efficiency, along with a better overall patient experience, to practices that are also offering Invisalign treatment to their patients."

Earlier this year, Align announced Invisalign interoperability for its iOC scanning system, used predominantly by orthodontic practices. Both the iOC and iTero scanning systems utilize laser and optical scanning to capture the contours of the patient's dentition, gingival structures, and bite without the use of powder, resulting in an accurate digital orthodontic scan in minutes. The iTero and iOC scanning systems operate on an open architecture platform, providing doctors and labs with the ability to export custom and generic STL (stereolithography) files of their digital impressions to use with other third party dental service providers. This allows the digital impressions to integrate with cone beam CT images for implant and orthodontic treatment planning.

Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.The Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express 10, and Vivera Retainers.

To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com.

Cadent Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Align Technology and is a leading provider of 3D digital scanning solutions for orthodontics and dentistry. The Cadent family of products includes iTero and iOC scanning systems, OrthoCAD iCast, OrthoCAD iQ and OrthoCAD iRecord. For additional information, please visit www.itero.com.

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